Tullahoma Shooting Suspect Captured In McMinnville

Samuel Lee Pace

The Tullahoma Police Department has arrested 20-year-old, Samuel Pace, Jr., who resides in Summitville, TN, for his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred at 509 Campbell Ave. in Tullahoma, TN during the evening hours of Sunday, December 14, 2014. Tullahoma Police were dispatched to 509 Campbell Ave. shortly after 9:00 p.m. Sunday in reference to a subject having been shot.

Upon arrival Officers discovered the victim, Elton “Coty” Thomas, a 34-year-old who resides at the Campbell Ave. residence, had suffered a single gunshot wound to the face. The responding officers found marijuana in the residence. Thomas was transported by ambulance to Harton Regional Medical Center and was later transferred to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries.

Investigators were called to the scene and as a result of the information obtained during their investigation, began to attempt to locate Samuel Pace Jr. The investigation continued through the night and throughout the day Monday. Several locations were searched Monday with the assistance of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department and as a result it was discovered that Pace had been taken by a friend to a Motel in McMinnville, TN.

Inv. Dale Stone, of the Tullahoma Police Department, obtained a warrant charging Pace with Attempted First Degree Murder. Deputies with the Warren County Sheriff’s Department were then notified of Pace’s location and went to the Motel and made contact with Pace. Pace however refused Officer’s initial requests to come out. After negotiations with Pace failed, Warren County Authorities introduced a chemical irritant into the room and as a result Pace was taken into custody without further incident.

Pace is currently being held in the Coffee County Jail under a $150,000.00 bond and is charged with Attempted First Degree Murder and is scheduled to appear in Coffee County General Sessions Court on Thursday, December 18, 2014